get a mid to tip flex 9' 9wt rod, and decent lg arbor reel and intermiade and a sinking line some 20-40 lb. leader material (anything on the stiffer side will work) some deceivers, bobs poppers, clouser tied on 1/0 to 3/0 hooks. Add a shooting basket (a must) learn to double hall and go for it..

Steve, Whoever told you you not to waste your time either doesn't know what they're talking about or isn't a fly fishermen and has only watched FFers get skunked. If you've never fished the surf, it's a seasonal game. I'd wait until late April. May is better. The autumn months are best. If you do a search, there's been quite a bit of discussion here about the NJ shore in recent months.

i have a strong feeling its going to be a good spring with this warm winter.Probably around early to mid April. They have been catch fish all winter in Jersey and New York. For your first time i would try to hookup with someone else who know a thing or to about the surf. Its a whole new game from casting, finding fish, structure and flies. I would go with a 9 or 10 wt rod but get a reel with a smooth drag and a sinking line i like lansom waterworks reels. LBI is the way to go for fly fishing. For spring your gonna need big patterns like 7 to 10 inches. Bass are gonna be more bait feeders but blues will hit anything and they fight harder. i hope to get down there a few times this spring. Spring = BIG FISH. let me know im always looking for someone to split gass money with.